Stayner couple takes ownership of new Foodland
Meet the new owners of Foodland in Stayner – Kyle and Selina Krueger. They have been busy settling in and making connections in the community – and getting ready for Christmas. Their store has been selected for an upcoming Christmas show and sell, a holiday showcase of products open to every Foodland operator in the province.
The couple has been living in Stayner for the past year, coming by way of Collingwood, where they ran the Sobey’s store, which has recently been shuttered for conversion to a Farm Boy store.
Kyle and Selina both grew up in Dundalk, and although they went to high school together, they met at Foodland where they both started working at the age of 14. Kyle was a “produce boy” and Selina worked the cash. They have been together for 19 years, and married for 12, with two children, ages eight and 11.
For Kyle, being a grocer has been his singular professional focus but he always had his sights on becoming a franchisee.
When it came time for him to do the franchise training program, his store was left under Selina’s management. The training took him all over – Tobermory, Penetanguishene, and Hailburton – where he would learn the ropes from store owners. He said he worked in all departments, including food prep.
After graduating from high school Selina became a Red Seal certified chef, completing two years of culinary school and completing her certification at a country club.
She said having that level of knowledge about food does come in handy as a grocer, especially when it comes to produce, pairings and providing inspiration to customers.
The new Foodland store on Grand Trunk Road in Stayner held its grand opening in May.
The 27,000 square foot store doubled the retail space of the old store on Airport Road, including room for an expanded produce section, bakery, deli, hot food service, and cold, ready-to-eat options.
“We like that its close to home,” said Kyle. “It’s nice to work in the community that you live in.”
He said they are working on integrating into the community, and are exploring ways to support local initiatives and food drives.
“I’d love to see it grow with the town,” said Kyle of the store, “and be an integral part of the community, be that grocery hub.”
On Oct. 25, Stayner Foodland is holding a free cupcake decorating event from 10 a.m. to noon. The first 100 children will get six cupcakes to take home. The Kruegers are also planning a Christmas event and a visit from Santa.
